Community mourns death of veteran truck driver in Highway 1 crash near Revelstoke

Community mourns death of veteran truck driver in Highway 1 crash near Revelstoke

December 16 2025 - Community members and the trucking industry are mourning the death of veteran commercial driver Darren Samoleski, who was killed in a collision on Highway 1 in the Rogers Pass area near Revelstoke late last week.

Darren Samoleski died in a collision on Highway 1 in the Rogers Pass area near Revelstoke late last week

According to a statement shared by Reimer Bros, his employer, and reposted to a Revelstoke-area community Facebook page, Samoleski was involved in a fatal crash on Friday, December 12.

The company described him as a highly experienced and respected driver with nearly 40 years in the profession and more than four million miles logged over the course of his career.

The statement says Samoleski had recently been recognized through the company’s Driver of the Year program, receiving the award during its second quarter.

At the time of the collision, the company says he was operating within highway limits and that his records and conduct were in order. The post also notes that available video was reviewed internally and that an attending RCMP officer spoke positively about Samoleski’s professionalism.

No official details about the cause of the crash have been released publicly, and police have not provided further information about the circumstances surrounding the collision.

The post prompted an outpouring of condolences online, with dozens of comments expressing sympathy for Samoleski’s family, friends, and co-workers.

Many voiced concerns about safety conditions on major highways.

Some commenters also expressed frustration and a desire for more information, reflecting that few confirmed details are currently available.

Authorities have not indicated whether additional information will be released or when an investigation update may be provided.